The Importance Of Being Earnest Research Paper

Social, intellectual, and cultural ideals have always played an important role in defining history and shaping society; when these ideals are examined in a literary context, the process is labeled “the historical approach.” America today embraces its own set of ideals, including feminism, liberty, and individualism. Similarly, Victorian England (which lasted through the majority of the nineteenth century) upheld very specific ideals that shaped the culture of that time period. These specific social, cultural, and intellectual ideals of Victorian England can be explored in the famous play by Oscar Wilde, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This play is set in the late 1890’s, and features two young couples who struggle to overcome the misgivings,
Unfortunately, Jack had no parents. Because of this fact, Lady Bracknell refused to let Jack marry Gwendolyn even though he was a well-mannered gentleman with a satisfactory income and reputation. Another social expectation was to constantly attend social engagements. Without a proper excuse, missing a dinner party or other outing was almost scandalous. For this precise reason, Jack invented his brother Ernest and likewise, Algernon Moncrieff invented a friend named Mr. Bunbury, “I [Algernon] have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you [Jack]…for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week…and once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations”
This idea is shown through the many silly, frivolous things that the ladies say which make little sense. For example, when Jack and Algernon offer flattering, well-worded explanations for their deceptions, Gwendolyn astonishes readers by saying, “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.” Comments such as these suggest that women were considered narrow-minded in comparison to men. This notion directly clashes with the sentiments of today. In today’s society, at least in America, women are considered equally competent if not more so than men. It is interesting to note that this complete shift in belief has occurred in a relatively brief period of time of less than two-hundred